Every Attraction at Disney's Magic Kingdom, Ranked

0 Ratings

The second you step into Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, it's easy to become overwhelmed. Not only will the sights and sounds (and crowds) on Main Street U.S.A. wow you, but the second you glance down at that park guide map, you'll see dozens of things to do and see. Trying to figure out what attractions are some of the best and which are OK to skip can be a hassle. Luckily, we're here for you to rank every attraction at the Magic Kingdom.

To determine what the best and worst attractions at the Magic Kingdom are, first we had to determine what constituted an attraction. Rides (such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain) are clearly attractions. We also included shows encased in buildings, such as Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room and Enchanted Tales With Belle. We excluded meet-and-greets, play areas, firework shows and stage shows because they are ever-changing and their own, unique forms of theme park entertainment.

Then we took into account the things that make a Disney ride great: stunning theming, attention to detail, compelling narrative and level of just plain fun. And while we're no theme park experts, this writer does go to Walt Disney World every single year and has been on each of these attractions at least once. So what are you waiting for? Check out our ranking of every attraction at Disney's Magic Kingdom.

Matt Stroshane

#33 Swiss Family Treehouse

The Swiss Family Treehouse was probably the perfect place to explore when it opened with the rest of the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971, but these days, this towering walk-through is basically just... a giant line. Some of the queues at Magic Kingdom (such as Peter Pan's Flight and Seven Dwarves Mine Train) have better interaction and theming than this entire attraction.

Vernon Wentz/photographer

#32 Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

A trip to a carousel with his daughters is what reportedly originally inspired Walt Disney to open his first theme park, Disneyland. And while that makes a carousel a must-have at a Disney theme park, that doesn't make it a must-do attraction. It's pretty to look at, but you can find hundreds of carousels across the country that give you a feeling very similar to this one.

Disney

#31 Tomorrowland Speedway

Like a carousel, a racecar ride is another Disney classic and theme park staple. And while there is an element of excitement to this ride for kids who go to the Magic Kingdom, the average guest ages out of this attraction very quickly.

Matt Stroshane

#30 The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Disney sure does love its hub-and-spoke rides, such as The Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Adventureland. Based on the same concept as Dumbo the Flying Elephant, this attraction features two rows of riders; one row makes the carpet move up and down and the other tilts the carpet backward and forward. While other similar rides have nostalgia and beautiful views on their side, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin just kind of... exists.

Matt Stroshane

#29 Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

Interactive screen-based shows like Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor in Tomorrowland really cater to a younger audience and an audience member who really likes corny jokes. While the visual effects in this show are pretty stellar, if you're not a huge "Monsters, Inc." fan, this is an easy attraction to skip.

Disney

#28 The Hall of Presidents

The Hall of Presidents is a unique attraction to the Magic Kingdom, and for American history buffs, it's a riveting and interesting showcase. But for most people, this 25-minute show is just a space for a much-needed nap in the air conditioning. And while the show was never meant to be political (and was just meant to showcase American history), the increasing political divide in the U.S. has made it controversial.

Kent Phillips

#27 Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin

On this Tomorrowland attraction, you use a laser gun to defeat Buzz Lightyear's archenemy, the evil Emperor Zurg. While it is fun to compete against the other person in your buggy and every other guest, it's nearly impossible to tell what laser is yours. If you're looking for a great Toy Story-themed attraction with a game element, head over to Hollywood Studios and ride the far superior Toy Story Mania.

Disney

#26 Tom Sawyer Island

Like the Swiss Family Treehouse, Tom Sawyer Island is an area where you can wander around and explore. Unlike Swiss Family Treehouse, this attraction is in its own area, accessible only by raft. As you wander through caves, across bridges and down hills, take in the small things. The best use for this area is to allow children to run around and burn off some energy, but adults really will appreciate all of the small details in this attraction, done in the way that only Disney can.

Disney

#25 Walt Disney World Railroad

While the railroad over in Disneyland is a must-see attraction, the Magic Kingdom version is primarily known as an easy mode of transportation between Main Street, Frontierland and Fantasyland. There are some great views into rides like Splash Mountain and some cool animatronic animals, but this attraction is mostly a great way to take a relaxing break in your day.

Disney

#24 A Pirate's Adventure - Treasures of the Seven Seas

The interactive games at the Walt Disney World are some of the most underrated things to do while you're at the theme parks. A Pirate's Adventure - Treasures of the Seven Seas has guests going on a scavenger hunt throughout Adventureland to find lost treasure. The game has some cool props and effects and allows you to explore this area of the Magic Kingdom in a whole new way.

Gene Duncan

#23 Liberty Square Riverboat

A day at Magic Kingdom can become overwhelming and exhausting very easily, and if you're looking for a way to see some beautiful sights and relax for a bit, it's hard to beat the Liberty Square Riverboat. This paddlewheel riverboat is a beautiful structure in and of itself, but it also offers some lovely views of Frontierland and Liberty Square in addition to a much-needed 15-minute reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the park.

Disney

#22 Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Like we said, Disney loves a hub-and-spoke ride, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant is the original. There's something just cute and magical about this attraction, even if it's very simple at its core. Sitting in a little flying elephant and going up and down is the definition of classic Disney. The only thing making Dumbo a mid-ranked attraction is the fact that there are few sights to see, as this is tucked into a corner of Fantasyland.

Disney

#21 Astro Oribiter

If Dumbo lacks views, Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland sure as heck has them. This hub-and-spoke ride is on an elevated platform, so as you soar through the air, you get some stunning views of the park. Get on here at night during the fireworks if you can for a true spectacular. The biggest downside of this ride is the load time. Be prepared to wait a loooong time to get in your rocket.

Disney

#20 Mad Tea Party

The Mad Tea Party opened up alongside the rest of the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971, and it's been making park guests mildly ill ever since then. Yes, these teacups spin and they'll spin fast if you want them too. This ride is colorful and amusingly themed to "Alice in Wonderland." If you want a more subdued ride experience, refrain from spinning the wheel in the middle of your teacup.

Disney

#19 Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress

If you're a Disney history fan, then Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland is a must-visit. This rotating theatre show features how technology developed throughout the 20th century. It first opened at the 1964 World's Fair then was in Disneyland until it found its home at the Magic Kingdom. And ever since its debut over 50 years ago, the song "There's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" has been getting stuck in heads.

Disney

#18 Country Bear Jamboree

If you had to describe the Country Bear Jamboree with one word, it'd have to be charming. This audio animatronics show features a Grand Ole Opry-inspired show starring - you guessed it - bears. While the animatronics and the theatre itself may be a little dated, this Frontierland attraction is a much-needed break in the action. Plus, it's hilarious. Kids will love the silly bears and some of the jokes have a surprising adult slant to them.

Disney

#17 The Barnstormer

It shouldn't actually be difficult to make a kiddie coaster that's actually enjoyable for adults too, but for a lot of theme parks, it is. Not at Disney. The Barnstormer features Goofy as a pilot, and it's delightfully zippy. It's short - only about 50 seconds - but it has a few fun dips and thrills. If you don't have kids, you don't need to hit this ride up, but don't rule it out either. It's shockingly enjoyable.

Disney

#16 Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

If you feel like the Disney villains are missing from Disney theme parks, then you have to play Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. To play this game, you go to the Fire Station on Main Street and get a pack of five baseball-type cards which feature famous and obscure Disney characters and their special spells, which can help you to defeat Hades and his evil friends, who have taken over the theme park from Merlin. Then, you travel to a different lands and look for symbols and magic portals where you will get a storyline and cast your spells. This game is interactive and makes you explore the small details and different areas of the Magic Kingdom. It also gives lesser-known characters and villains a much-needed presence. Best of all? It's free and the cards can be a great souvenir. Playing this is one of the many ways you can save money at Walt Disney World.

Louisa M./Yelp

#15 Mickey's PhilharMagic

If you want to see all of your favorite Disney characters all in one place -- and we mean all of your favorite Disney characters, then look no further than Mickey's PhilharMagic. This 3D movie's plot involves Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck directing an orchestra full of Disney characters and moving between the different worlds of animation. It's fun and funny for kids and kids at heart. At this point, some of the 3D effects are outdated, but it's nothing that will take you out of the show.

Disney

#14 Enchanted Tales With Belle

There are a lot of ways to meet and interact with characters at Walt Disney World, but there's only one way that's truly unique: Enchanted Tales With Belle. This Fantasyland show has guests interacting with the "Beauty and the Beast" princess herself as she tells the tale of the night she met Beast. This isn't for everyone - there's a lot of interaction, so if you're shy, maybe stay away from this one. But if you love Belle or have kids, this is a unique way to see her.

Kent Phillips

#13 Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid

A dark ride based on an animated film is the classic Disney attraction. So why is Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid in the middle of our list? Well, this dark ride is just a little underwhelming. While it's a lovely retelling of this beloved film, it lacks a lot of detail that makes a ride like Peter Pan's Flight so much better. It feels shortened and only tells about half of the film's story, but even a Disney dark ride that's lacking is better than most other theme park rides out there.

David Roark

#12 Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room

This enchanting Adventureland show is a bit of an acquired taste. Yes, Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room features magical birds, flora, fauna and tiki statues that come to life and sing one of the greatest earworms of all time. Like the other Disney audio animatronic shows, this attraction is pure charm.

Disney

#11 The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a redressed version of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (which still exists in Disneyland's Fantasyland). And like that original ride, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh features bumps, quick turns and bops as you travel through various classic Pooh scenes in your hunny pot. This dark ride is pure joy, from the adorable Winnie the Pooh animatronics to the spooky heffalumps and woozles.

Disney

#10 Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover may not be a guest favorite, but it should be on everyone's Disney attraction bucket list. Not only does it have an important piece of Walt Disney World history in it (the original model of Epcot), but this surprisingly speedy tram gives you a full tour and stunning views of Tomorrowland. Like the Astro Orbiter, if you get on this ride during the fireworks, you'll have a stellar (albeit quick) view.

Disney

#9 Peter Pan's Flight

Be prepared to wait in line for Peter Pan's Flight. This classic Disney dark ride has a notoriously low loading rate and it isn't unusual to see a wait time of 60 minutes or more. But once you get on your soaring boat and take off, you'll see of London, Neverland and Skull Rock complete with beautiful views and special effects. It's the crème de la crème of movie-themed dark rides but the lengthy wait times make this a lower pick on our list.

Disney

#8 Space Mountain

Compared to the Space Mountain in Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom's version is a little wilder, but that's why we love it. This indoor rollercoaster is actually pretty tame when you look at the stats. Its top speed is 38 miles per hour and the biggest drop is just 26 feet. But once you pass through the starry tunnel and zip through the starlight space, this little steel coaster gives you the perfect thrill.

Disney

#7 It's a Small World

You know the song; it's the original theme park earworm. And whether you love "It's a Small World" or you think it's the most irritating jingle of all time, you can't deny that it's truly iconic. This ride is iconic, too. The happiest cruise to set sail features little animatronic dolls representing countries and cultures from all over the world. It's pure wonder and whimsy and the ultimate family attraction.

Gene Duncan

#6 Jungle Cruise

If you love a good corny joke and animal animatronics, then look no further than the world-famous Jungle Cruise. As you travel through various rivers throughout Africa and Asia, your skipper guide will deliver some of the driest, cheesiest jokes imaginable. The boat ride itself is also quite beautiful, full of lush vegetation and waterfalls.

Disney

#5 Seven Dwarves Mine Train

Magic Kingdom's newest rollercoaster is also one of its best attractions of all time. The Seven Dwarves Mine Train in Fantasyland puts you in your own rocking mine train cart as you head off to work with the dwarves, complete with state-of-the-art animatronics and the classic Disney song "Heigh-Ho." This ride is remarkably detailed and fun for adults and kids. The only bummer about Seven Dwarves Mine Train is that waits are regularly close to two hours and the ride itself feels very short.

Disney

#4 Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

If Seven Dwarves Mine Train doesn't have the thrills you're looking for, head to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, also known as "the wildest ride in the wilderness." You board a train and go through a cursed mountain and zip up and down numerous hills while ducking underneath explosions, waterfalls and even T. rex bones. This runaway train-style rollercoaster is just pure fun. For the best experience, make sure you're sitting in the back.

Disney

#3 Haunted Mansion

Equally parts spooky and silly, the Haunted Mansion is an all-time Disney classic, and it's totally an original. As you board your "doom buggy," you travel through a haunted house with no windows and no doors - just 999 happy haunts and plenty of surprises. Like "It's a Small World," this Liberty Square omnimover has a killer soundtrack that will have you humming happily the rest of the day.

Matt Stroshane

#2 Pirates of the Caribbean

Speaking of songs that stand the test of time, perhaps no Disney tune is as well-known and well-loved as "Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me)" from Pirates of the Caribbean. While an attraction based on pirates pillaging a village doesn't sound like a joy, that's what this ride is. With one thrilling hill, dozens of expressive animatronics and a storyline that is far more concise that the Pirates counterpart in Disneyland. The addition of Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow and the replacement of certain scenes (such as the wives auction) have kept this boat ride from 1973 fresh for the current era.

Disney

#1 Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain isn't for everyone. You are going to get wet, and the 50-foot drop is the biggest thrill you're going to get at the Magic Kingdom. As you travel down the river, notice how Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear inch closer and closer to catching Br'er Rabbit, until he's finally in their grasp and you zip-a-dee-do-dah right down a massive hill. If you want a Disney ride that has the whole package, look no further than Splash Mountain. This ride has a catchy song, jovial audio animatronics, adventure and a storyline that is engaging and advances along with the ride itself. There's a true reason why it's the best ride at Magic Kingdom and one of the best Disney park attractions of all time.